In this free step-by-step crochet tutorial I show how to make the simple shell stitch. This stitch is a lacy crochet stitch. The fabric turns out light and breathable. It works great for shawls and wraps, lightweight scarves, lacy crochet summer tops and tanks, and other summer crochet projects. This stitch can also be used in decorative crochet projects for the home.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes detailed photo instructions. The simple shell stitch is a four-row repeat. For this stitch you need to know how to make single and double crochets. It is quite easy to make this stitch, and it is suitable for beginners.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Soft FRAYA Cotton 8/4 100% Organic cotton 50g – 180 m yarn, color: navy blue. However, you can use your favorite yarn depending on the crochet project.
Hook: I use a 2.0 mm hook. If you are using a different yarn, choose the hook size that is recommended on your yarn label.
Printable PDF and chart
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Photo instructions for the simple shell crochet stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining multiples of four plus one.
2. In the fifth chain from your hook make a double crochet.
3. Then make three more double crochets in the same stitch.
4. Skip three stitches and make four double crochets in the next stitch.
5. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row: skip three stitches and make four double crochets in the next stitch.
6. At the end of the row skip three stitches and make three double crochets in the last stitch.
7. Chain one.
Row 2
8. Turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch, so you will start working in the very first stitch.
9. So, make a single crochet in the first stitch.
10. Continue making single crochets in every stitch until the end of the row. Your last single crochet should be made in the turning chain in the previous row.
11. Then chain three.
Row 3
12. Turn your work around. Chain three counts as a stitch. You will start working in the second stitch.
13. So, make two double crochets in the second stitch.
14. Then skip three stitches and make four double crochets in the next stitch.
15. Skip three stitches and make four double crochets in the next stitch.
16. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row until you have two stitches left.
17. Then skip one stitch and make a double crochet in the last stitch.
18. Chain one.
Row 4
19. Turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch.
20. Make a single crochet in the very first stitch.
21. Continue making single crochets in every stitch until the end of the row. Your last single crochet should be made in the turning chain.
22. Chain three.
Row 5
23. Turn your work around. Chain three counts as a stitch.
24. Make four double crochets in the fourth stitch of this row.
25. Then skip three stitches and make four double crochets in the next stitch.
26. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row until your have four stitches left.
27. Then skip three stitches and make three double crochets in the last stitch. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 2-5.
Finished simple shell crochet stitch
28. Done!
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